MPs from all parties came together at an event to raise awareness of a report from the think tank Localis, on the economic and social value of pubs.
The report — Inn-Valuable: Unlocking The Socio-Economic Potential Of Our Nation’s Pubs — was commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
It outlines examples of pubs which provide services in their community beyond their economic function. A range of polling illustrates strong public support for pubs, and a recognition of their expanded role in communities.
Key findings of the report’s polling are:
- 81% of people say pubs are important in bringing people together
- 68% of British adults think pubs help combat loneliness in their local area
- 75% of British adults feel pubs have positive effect in communities
The report makes a number of policy recommendations for the pub sector, including:
- A cross-government taskforce on the future of the British pub, so that the sector benefits from the best fiscal regime and regulatory framework
- An emergency fund for energy bill support. For pubs in deprived areas.
- The government must ensure all pubs have access to fair and reasonable energy contracts.
- Business rates rebates for diversifying pubs. The government should fund local authorities to provide partial business rebates for pubs which diversify to take on socially valuable roles, such as those providing warm spaces or food banks.
- A new, revamped Minster for Pubs role, with a cross-departmental remit. The role, last appointed in 2017, should be reinstated and given a brief to work across departments to promote the British beer and pub sector to ensure it not only survives but thrives.
A number of MPs spoke in support of the report, including the chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary groups for beer and pubs, Alun Cairns and Charlotte Nichols respectively, as well as minister for enterprise and markets, Kevin Hollinrake, and shadow levelling up minister, Baroness Taylor.
“It is clear from this report pubs provide far more than just food and drink for the communities they serve, both in the Vale of Glamorgan and across the UK more widely,” said Alun Cairns.
“As MPs, we all have a responsibility to recognise that, as the public recognises it, and support the beer and pub sector in continuing to deliver major social and economic value to every city, town, and village in the country.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “It was great to speak to minister Hollinrake and a number of MPs in Parliament about the findings of this report, and the huge socio-economic impact pubs make in serving their communities. Pubs across the UK are the community hub and heart of the high street.
“I hope this report underlines the need for government to create a policy framework that allows these pubs and their communities to thrive. If any government wants to create growth in our nation’s towns and villages, they should support our pubs to deliver for local economies and communities. We would all feel the value and benefit of that investment.”
